Select Local Merchants

Whether you have a specific idea in mind or are open to ideas, Darvin Furniture in Orland Park will help you find the right furnishings for your home.
Quality desks and comfortable chairs are everywhere in sight, so you can redo your office in a snap.
Make sure everyone has a seat at your next BBQ. Shop the awesome selection of patio furniture that will go perfectly with any outdoor space.
For the latest and greatest in bedroom furniture trends, browse the selection of options here, such as dressers, bed frames, and bedroom furniture.
Making over your bathroom is super simple with the cute and affordable furniture selection.
Living room furniture are just some of the high-quality and comfortable furniture items available.
Sharpen your artistic eye with a little help from this store — even the most impressive artists are dazzled by the stunning pieces on display.
If you have a desire to decorate your walls, start off on the right foot with items like curtains and mirrors.
Quality decorations go a long way when it comes to making a home your own, so start with rugs, throw pillows, and vases.
If you're driving, be sure to take advantage of the nearby lot.
So toss your hand-me-down furniture and treat yourself to a brand new furniture set from Darvin Furniture in Orland Park.

Pump It Up's indoor arenas are filled with huge inflatables and interactive attractions. The Super Star team supervises and entertains the kids during visits, and parents are always free and encouraged to jump, bounce, slide and play with the kids. They can also relax in the parent area while the Super Star teams takes care of everything. Ask about the Glow experience—a kid favorite.
The colorful venue also hosts custom birthday parties and private team parties, each themed to please the partygoers in question. These soirees immerse children in a schedule of interactive activities befitting a pirate or a superhero. The birthday boy or girl even gets to blow out the candles on their cake seated in their blow-up throne. Relying on the staffers' vigilant, watchful eyes, guardians can rest assured that their children will be safe, and each piece of the inflatable playground is held to the floor by a complex series of anchors installed according to strict safety standards.

Since 1974, the folks at Scuba Emporium have been educating clients in the art of breathing underwater. Inside the 7,500 square-foot facility you'll find two classrooms, where beginners sit down to learn the fundamentals of safety, how gear works, and what those dolphins are smiling about. After developing a solid foundation in the classroom, head to the pool to get a feel for scuba equipment, strapping on fins, masks, and tanks and splashing into the warmed water. Those who wish to get their certification will complete several dives, after which they can visit spots around the world and take advantage of diving opportunities.

Whether you have a specific idea in mind or are open to ideas, Kirkland's in Orland Park will help you find the right furnishings for your home.
If you're on the market for some new furniture, check out all that this store has to offer, such as living room furniture.
Browse the latest inventory of bedroom furniture here, such as bedroom furniture, and go home with a comfortable new bedroom set.
Make sure everything in your bathroom matches and browse the furniture selection for all the best designs.
Your home office will look better than ever with some stylish new furnishings, so get started on your shopping.
When backyard festivities are on the brain, patio furniture is your next stop. Browse the selection available to find the set that's right for you.
Quality decorations go a long way when it comes to making a home your own, so start with rugs, throw pillows, and vases.
Art lovers looking to spice up their space flock to this store for a touch of beauty, charm, and one-of-a-kind artistry.
Give your walls some love. This store has fun decorations including curtains and mirrors.
If you're driving to Kirkland's, don't worry about finding parking! There are plenty of available spots in the area.
With their friendly team and affordable pricing, Kirkland's lets you live the way you want by helping you furnish your home according to your needs.

From basics to advanced design elements, The RoomPlace's furniture has everything to transform your living space in Orland Park.
Ladies, if you are on the market for some fashion-forward clothing items, look no further than this highly rated store.
With the right furniture, it's easy to create the room you've always wanted, so come see what's in store for the bathroom.
If you feel like redecorating your home's interior, start with some new bedroom furniture from here, such as dressers, bed frames, and bedroom furniture.
If you're looking for the best office furniture at the right price, you'll definitely want to go to store first.
Perfect for the warmer months, the outdoor furniture here is just what you need to make your patio complete.
Whether you need living room furniture or other furniture items, you can find all of your needs here.
Say bye to bare walls and empty space. Just a few of the pieces here that will work well in almost any room include rugs, throw pillows, and vases.
Treat yourself to artwork at its finest when you purchase a painting, drawing, or sculpture from here.
Wall decorations such as curtains and mirrors are sure to catch your eye, so stop in and see what else is on hand.
For those driving to The RoomPlace, you'll easily find parking close by.
Find just the right furnishing for your home. The RoomPlace has it all.

Are you drawn to classic pieces or a more modern look? When it comes to home furnishings, Value City Furniture offers one of the best selections in Orland Park.
If you're expanding your work office, pick up some new and affordable furniture from this store.
Amp up your bedroom with a few new trendy pieces of furniture, such as dressers, bed frames, and bedroom furniture.
Whether you need a new bathroom storage unit or plan on doing a complete remodel, you can't go wrong with the vast selection of furnishings featured.
A rocking bench? A table for six? Whatever outdoor and patio furniture you're looking for, this store has just what you're looking for.
Be your own interior designer and revamp your living room with some new furniture from here, such as living room furniture.
If you have a desire to decorate your walls, start off on the right foot with items like curtains and mirrors.
Sharpen your artistic eye with a little help from this store — even the most impressive artists are dazzled by the stunning pieces on display.
It's time to make your living space even more livable with rugs, throw pillows, and vases.
Take advantage of the many nearby parking options and enjoy the quick trip to and from your car.
Don't settle for old, worn down furniture. Pick up something refreshingly new for your home from Value City Furniture in Orland Park.

Groupon Guide

We give you the vital stats on five individuals brave enough to jump in Lake Michigan—in January.
The recent “polar vortex” has many Chicagoans dreaming of sunny beaches—just not those around Lake Michigan. But on January 25, hundreds of brave souls will dive into those icy waters as part of The Lakeview Polar Bear Club’s 14th annual Polar Plunge. This “Celebration of Shrinkage” is not merely an activity for the insane; it’s also an important fundraiser for two local families impacted by severe medical challenges. Last year, 440 Polar Bears raised $81,500, and this year, event founder Brian Marchal hopes to blow that number out of the water.
To accomplish this, he’s enlisted his army of volunteer jumpers to collect funds as they prepare to show off their swim trunks and Speedos to the crowds on Oak Street Beach. We reached out to five of these seasoned and novice Polar Bears to learn their plunge survival strategies and assess their mental health.
THE VETERAN: Ken, Age 27
Number of Polar Plunges: 2
Plunge ensemble: As of the last plunge, I am an official Speedo owner.
Pre-plunge routine: I strip down early. Letting my body adapt to the cold air before the cold water helps reduce the shock jumping into the cold water. [Doing] some jumping jacks right before the plunge not only gets your blood pumping but also shows people around you that you are a seasoned pro and possibly mentally unstable.
Longest time spent in the water after a plunge: Three minutes. I had to help a friend who lost his glasses. They were ultimately claimed by the icy depths of Lake Michigan.
Favorite way to warm up after a plunge: The after-party, obviously. [It] won’t just warm your body, but it will warm your heart knowing you are fundraising for some deserving families.
Lessons learned since first Plunge: Don't listen to the crazy couple of guys that decide jumping in wasn't too bad so they go back for round two. Round two is much worse than round one.
THE POLAR PRO: Matt, Age 35
Number of Polar Plunges: 4
Plunge ensemble: Usually just a regular swimsuit, but Speedos are pretty popular amongst most Polar Bears.
Longest time spent in the water after a plunge: 30 seconds, tops.
Lessons learned since first plunge: Never wear flip-flops. Seriously. Your feet are so cold that you can't feel whether or not they're still on, and you'll inevitably lose them in the water and end up walking around on ice chunks.
Do you wait 30 minutes after eating before a plunge? I never wait 30 minutes after eating before doing anything.
Best excuse for chickening out: lake-water allergy, or swim trunks eaten by an actual polar bear? The lake water is questionable year-round so a sudden allergy seems suspect. I'd go with the polar bear. With the winter we've had so far, it's possible there might be some around!
THE NEWBIE: Kevin, Age 26
Number of Polar Plunges: 0
Reason for taking the plunge: First and foremost, the two families. Second, [I’ve] wanted to do one for a long time and got more than 20 members from Anytime Fitness to participate.
Safety in numbers: We are most looking forward to doing this as a group. Positive peer pressure in this instance will be awesome and make for an amazing event!
Plunge ensemble: We plan on dressing crazy in either superhero costumes, short manly shorts, cutoff jean shorts, or other such fashionable attire.
Post-plunge goals: To organize a plunge “across the pond” in Michigan City.
Advice from seasoned Polar Bears: "Just jump in." No easy way about it.
THE CHAMP: Michael, Age 36
Number of Polar Plunges: A handful of times over the years.
Longest time spent in the water after a plunge: One year the lake was frozen, and we sat out on the ice. I was out there for about a half hour before Brian’s [Marchal] mom, a registered nurse, made us come in. Another time it was over five minutes. Again, we were made to come in by Brian's mom.
Survival strategy: I play paddle ball [in the water]. Takes your mind off of it.
Favorite way to warm up after a plunge: Jameson.
Most triumphant plunge: Back when we used to see who could stay in the longest, I had that dubious honor a couple of times.
THE SOCKLESS WONDER: Grant, Age 28
Number of Polar Plunges: 3
Pre-plunge training: Cold showers are way worse than the real plunge.
Plunge ensemble: [I put on] lots of layers before the plunge to make sure I'm nice and toasty beforehand. That way, once I strip down, the breeze is actually more refreshing than painful.
Lessons learned since first plunge: Shoes are required for the plunge, but socks are NOT. Having those sponges of icy water next to your feet and trying to take them off with numb fingers on the beach is significantly harder than just taking off shoes!
Best excuse for chickening out: No excuses! Anyone can take the plunge and have a great time. The mix of people at the beach is incredible: old, young, fat, skinny, guys, gals, mustaches, clean-shaven, costumes, Speedos, capes, you name it. Everyone takes the plunge together and has an awesome time!
Photo courtesy of Lakeview Polar Bear Club.

Even after Joyce escaped from a militant group of kidnappers, she was sleeping in the streets of a Ugandan ghetto. Then she discovered this design nonprofit.
One afternoon in 2005, a 14-year-old Ugandan girl named Joyce found herself staring into the barrel of a machine gun. It happened quickly—she’d just stepped away from her family’s hut to fetch kindling from a woodpile. She could still see her home from where she stood, but with an automatic weapon in her face, she had no choice but to follow the orders of the person pointing it at her.
That person was a member of the Lord’s Resistance Army, a militant group whose numbers are said to be continuously replenished by kidnapped children. Joyce spent the next two years in an LRA encampment, where rape, murder, mutilation, and forced prostitution were regular occurrences.
But then one night in 2007, gunfire ripped through the camp. In the frenzy, Joyce grabbed her shoes and ran into the darkness. It took her days to get back to her own village; upon returning, she discovered her family had been killed and she had nowhere to live. She set off for nearby Gulu, where she starved and slept in the streets. When she was discovered by a group of teenage girls, they brought her back to their ghetto and introduced her to their only means of survival—selling their bodies.
A Glimmer of Hope, Halfway Around the World
Nearly 8,000 miles away in Chicago, Kristen Hendricks was spending her free time ladeling out meals at local soup kitchens. Her day job was operating a private-label handbag and accessories company. But when she started learning about human trafficking in Africa, her life’s passion changed. She spent months researching it, then booked a trip to Uganda to see its reality firsthand.
“It grabbed my heart,” Hendricks said. “[But] I thought, ‘What can I do? I’m just a handbag designer.’” Eventually, though, she let her experience in fashion shape a grand concept: the Kwagala Project, an organization that raises funds for survivors of sex trafficking and other human-rights violations, in part through the creation of jewelry and accessories that the women make themselves. Since Hendricks founded Kwagala in 2008, the sale of these items has helped fund a vocational school, a college scholarship fund, and two rehabilitation centers, including one in Gulu called Total Impact House.
Total Impact House’s First Resident
By 2009, after a few years of prostitution in Gulu’s horrific ghettos, Joyce had nearly lost the desire to live. But then she met Pauline, a Kwagala Project director who offered Joyce the opportunity to be the first to move into Total Impact House. Joyce agreed, and there, she was given access to things she hadn’t had the comfort of enjoying in years, including regular meals and a safe place to sleep. She also took advantage of education and vocational training, eventually becoming the first to graduate from Kwagala’s vocational school.
Since then, hundreds of other young women have found hope for a better life through Kwagala Project. Though the women share common experiences, each story is different. “Most people think [it’s like] the movie Taken,” Hendricks said of the women and children they rescue. “But there are a zillion different scenarios. In the slums and Third World countries where people have zero resources, they’re [often] rescued from their own family members. We aren’t necessarily pounding down brothel doors, but we talk to them, educate them. We tell the family members that we’ll take care of their kids.”
How Chicago Has Stayed Part of the Story
Hendricks’s ties to Chicago have never stopped aiding in Kwagala Project’s mission. Local corporations such as Total Attorneys and MentorMob have funded rehabilitation centers and gotten involved through hands-on volunteer work. Individuals have also helped the organization thrive in creative ways: take Julie Hillery, PhD, a fashion-studies professor at Columbia College, who rallied her students to spread awareness of Kwagala Project through social media and marketing.
But any Chicagoan can get involved by buying the organization’s jewelry—100% of the proceeds go directly to Kwagala Project. The women also create packages of discounted fundraising bracelets, which purchasers resell to benefit both Kwagala Project and an organization of their choosing.
Jewelry Made from Recycled Materials
Although many find it hard to believe upon seeing the shiny, colorful beads used in Kwagala’s jewelry, they’re all made from recycled paper. Dyed paper is purchased locally (it’s a popular item at Ugandan markets) and cut into triangular strips. The women then roll the strips into beads, varnish and sun-dry them, and string them into bracelets and necklaces, which can range in price from $18.95 for a teal clasp bracelet to $26.95 for a short pink necklace.
It’s a technique that is remarkably similar to the mission of Kwagala Project itself. “[The bead-making process] represents who we are,” Hendricks said. “It’s a recycled material, one that once was considered garbage, but now is extraordinary jewelry.”
Photo: courtesy of Laura Ferkaluk

Don’t call her a seamstress. Julia Needlman is a dressmaker. “[A seamstress] doesn’t do anything but sew seams. I create things,” she explains during our interview at her Ukrainian Village studio. Inheriting her name and talents from her great-grandfather, a Russian-born tailor, Needlman picked up a needle at the age of 6 and hasn’t put it down since. Her specialty is wedding wear, and many brides come to her for custom creations. Needlman walked me through the custom-dress process and answered a lot of FAQs along the way.
What do I need to bring to my first visit with the dressmaker?
“Thirty adjectives,” Needlman says, and she means it. She suggests brides share 30 words that describe themselves, their wedding, and even their fiancé. “I like to remember that this is connected to a whole family of people who have a relationship to this person already, and they want to see her as she is.”
In fact, Needleman recommends bringing friends and family along. “All of the people who are gonna have a say in this thing, bring ‘em.” Ideally those closest to you will share their honest opinions about what fabrics and styles make you look like you. And of course bring along any pictures that inspire you.
Also good to have on hand: any shoes or accessories you know you want to wear and the knowledge of styles you’ve already tried on.
Can you make my dress look just like this picture?
Needlman warns that she often has to “talk people down” from the pictures they’ve brought in. Especially if it’s a celebrity’s red-carpet gown. “Those dresses are very different from what you think,” she says. “They are sprayed on, stuck on, kept on,” and can be quite painful to wear.
They can also cost $30,000. Haute couture designers use rare, expensive fabrics that simply “don’t exist” in the world of everyday dressmakers. Unless you have an unlimited budget, going in with down-to-earth expectations will streamline the entire process.
That said, bringing in a photo can be helpful when used as a reference point. But be able to verbalize exactly what catches your fancy about a particular design. Two sets of eyes can see the world very differently.
How much is my custom wedding dress going to cost?
A college professor once told Needlman, “I can’t spend $1,000 on a dress for one day.” Needlman suggested she think of it a little differently: “You spend $1,000 on a class that teaches you how to see yourself and how other people see you, and then you get a dress at the end of it.” Yes, a custom, made-from-scratch wedding dress starts at about $1,200, not including fabric, but this cost often includes extensive consultations, fittings, and a veil to boot—not to mention the crash course in self-discovery.
You won’t necessarily save money buying off the rack. Needlman regularly sees $300 gowns turn into $1,000 gowns after she’s forced to alter nearly every stitch. “And there are such things as dresses that you buy that do not fit you that cannot be fit to you,” she says. “The way you save money is to be conscientious about who you are and what you want in a real way, and then use [your] words as a map so that you don’t make the mistake of choosing the wrong dress.”
How long does the custom-dress process take?
Needlman spends about 40­–60 hours on each dress, but she prefers that it not be the 40­–60 hours before the wedding. Though she’s had clients come to her a year in advance for an initial meeting, she says that four months is plenty.
What if I change my mind?
“You don’t have something in hand when you have a custom; you have to go on faith,” Needlman cautions. If the idea of not holding a finished product in your hand until several weeks before the wedding bugs you out, then a custom dress may not be for you.
While the custom-dress process can be very collaborative and usually evolves along the way, trust and honesty are always paramount. You not only have to trust that the dressmaker will realize your vision, you also have to be truthful about what your vision actually is. On this subject Needman has very direct advice: “You don’t lie to your doctor, and you don’t lie to your dressmaker!”